Limited scleroderma, or CREST syndrome, is one subtype of scleroderma — a condition that literally means "hardened skin."

The skin changes associated with limited scleroderma typically occur only in the lower arms and legs and sometimes the face and throat. Limited scleroderma can also affect your digestive tract.

The problems caused by limited scleroderma may be minor. Sometimes, however, the disease affects the lungs or heart, with potentially serious results. Limited scleroderma has no known cure, and treatments focus on managing symptoms and preventing serious complications.

While some varieties of scleroderma occur rapidly, signs and symptoms of limited scleroderma usually develop gradually. They include:

Tight, hardened skin. In limited scleroderma, skin changes typically affect only the lower arms and legs, including fingers and toes, and sometimes the face and neck. Skin can look shiny from being pulled taut over underlying bone. It may become difficult to bend your fingers or to open your mouth.

Raynaud's phenomenon. This condition occurs when small blood vessels in your fingers and toes go into spasms in response to cold or emotional stress, blocking the flow of blood. In most people, the skin turns white before becoming blue, cold and numb. When circulation improves, the skin usually reddens and may throb or tingle. Raynaud's phenomenon is often one of the earliest signs of limited scleroderma, but many people have only Raynaud's and never develop scleroderma.

Red spots or lines on skin. These small red spots or lines (telangiectasias) are caused by the swelling of tiny blood vessels near the skin's surface. They are not painful and occur primarily on the hands and face.

Bumps under the skin. Limited scleroderma may cause tiny calcium deposits (calcinosis) to develop under your skin, mainly on your elbows, knees and fingers. You can see and feel these deposits, which sometimes may be tender or become infected.

Swallowing difficulties. People with limited scleroderma commonly experience problems with their esophagus — the tube that connects the mouth and stomach. Poor functioning of the muscles in the upper and lower esophagus can make swallowing difficult and allow stomach acids to back up into the esophagus, leading to heartburn, inflammation and scarring of esophageal tissues.

Limited scleroderma is believed to be an autoimmune disorder — one in which your immune system turns against your own body. In limited scleroderma, the immune system appears to stimulate the production of too much collagen, a key component of connective tissue. This overproduction of collagen builds up in the skin and internal organs, impairing their function.

Sex. Women are far more likely to develop limited scleroderma than men are.

Race. In the United States, limited scleroderma affects blacks more often than whites. Choctaw Native Americans also have higher rates of limited scleroderma than other races.

Genetic factors. If someone in your family has an autoimmune disease — such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or Hashimoto's disease — you have an increased risk of developing limited scleroderma.

Exposure to toxins. Certain toxic substances — such as polyvinyl chloride, benzene, silica and trichloroethylene — may trigger scleroderma in people with a genetic predisposition to the disease.

The visible signs of limited scleroderma — tight, thick skin on your fingers, hands and face — can affect the way you feel about your appearance; make everyday tasks, such as opening a jar or shaving, more difficult; and even affect your speech. But the most serious complications tend to occur beneath your skin.

Ulcers on fingers and toes. Severe Raynaud's phenomenon can obstruct blood flow to your extremities and may cause ulcers of the fingers and toes. These ulcers can be difficult to heal. Additionally, abnormal or narrowed blood vessels combined with severe Raynaud's phenomenon can lead to gangrene of fingers or toes, which may require amputation.

Lung damage. Limited scleroderma can cause a variety of problems with your lungs. In some cases, excess collagen collects in the tissue between the lungs' air sacs, making the lung tissue stiffer and less able to work properly. Increased blood pressure in the arteries between your heart and lungs makes the heart work harder and eventually weakens it.

Heart problems. Scarring of heart tissue can lead to abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and, in rare cases, to an inflamed heart muscle (myocarditis).

Dental problems. Severe tightening of facial skin can make it difficult to open your mouth wide enough to brush your teeth. Acid reflux can destroy tooth enamel, and changes in gum tissue may cause your teeth to become loose or even fall out.

Dry eyes and mouth. Many people with limited scleroderma experience very dry eyes and mouth.

Because limited scleroderma can affect so many different parts of your body, you may need to be seen by a variety of doctors, including those who specialize in the treatment of arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders (rheumatologist), skin disorders (dermatologist) or lung disorders (pulmonologist).

What you can do

To make the most of your appointment, you may want to write a list that includes:

A detailed description of your symptoms

Information about medical problems you've had

Information about the medical problems of your parents or siblings

All the medications and dietary supplements you take

Questions you want to ask the doctor

Preparing a list of questions may help you make the most of your time with your doctor. For limited scleroderma, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?

Are there other possible causes?

What kinds of tests do I need?

What treatment do you recommend?

Are there any self-care steps to help manage my symptoms?

How often will you see me for follow-up visits?

I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?

What to expect from your doctor

During the physical exam, your doctor will look for changes in the texture, color and appearance of your skin. He or she may also ask:

What are your symptoms, and when did you first notice them?

How have your symptoms changed over time?

Are you having problems with heartburn?

Are you having trouble swallowing?

Are you experiencing extra fatigue or achiness?

Do your fingers change color when they get cold?

Have you lost weight without trying?

Have you noticed any changes in your bowel habits?

Have you been diagnosed with any other medical conditions?

What medications are you currently taking, including vitamins and supplements?

Like other unusual and complex autoimmune disorders, limited scleroderma can be difficult to diagnose. Signs and symptoms vary widely and often resemble those of other diseases. To complicate matters even more, limited scleroderma sometimes occurs with other autoimmune conditions — such as polymyositis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

The diagnosis of limited scleroderma is generally made based on your signs and symptoms. In addition, tests that may help in the diagnosis of limited scleroderma include:

Lab tests. A sample of your blood can be tested for antibodies that are frequently found in the blood of people with limited scleroderma. But this isn't a definitive test because not everyone with limited scleroderma has these antibodies.

Skin biopsy. Sometimes doctors take a small sample of skin that's then examined under a microscope in a laboratory. Although biopsies can be helpful, they can't definitively diagnose limited scleroderma.

In addition to tests that may help diagnose limited scleroderma itself, your doctor may recommend additional tests to identify any lung, heart or gastrointestinal complications.

Limited scleroderma has no known cure. Treatment focuses on relieving signs and symptoms and preventing complications.

Medications

Several types of medications can help ease the signs and symptoms of limited scleroderma, including:

Topical antibiotics. If skin ulcers become infected, you may need to apply topical antibiotics and bandage the area. If topical treatment doesn't work, you may need oral or intravenous antibiotics.

Antacid drugs. If limited scleroderma is giving you heartburn, your doctor may suggest drugs that reduce the production of stomach acid.

Blood pressure lowering drugs. Medications that open small blood vessels and increase circulation may help relieve Raynaud's symptoms and reduce increased pressure in the arteries between the heart and lungs.

Drugs to suppress the immune system. These types of medications have shown promise in preventing a condition in which excess collagen collects in the tissue between the lungs' air sacs.

Therapy

Stiff, painful joints and skin are common problems in limited scleroderma. Learning the right way to stretch and exercise through physical or occupational therapy can help you maintain your flexibility and strength.

Physical therapy. Stretching exercises are important to help prevent loss of mobility in your finger joints. A physical therapist can also show you facial exercises that may help keep your face and mouth flexible as well.

Occupational therapy. If limited scleroderma is making it difficult for you to perform daily tasks, an occupational therapist can help you learn new ways of doing things. For example, special toothbrushes and flossing devices can make it easier for you to care for your teeth.

Surgery

For some problems, a surgical procedure may be necessary, including for:

Red spots or lines. Laser surgery can reduce the appearance of red spots or lines caused by swollen blood vessels near the surface of the skin.

Gangrene in fingers. Amputation of fingertips may be necessary if skin ulcers progress to gangrene.

Keep warm

To reduce Raynaud's symptoms, wear gloves or mittens outdoors when the weather is cool and indoors when you reach into the freezer. To maintain your body's core temperature when it's cool, dress in layers and wear a hat or scarf, thermal socks, and well-fitting boots or shoes that don't cut off your circulation.

Don't smoke

If you smoke, talk to your doctor about the best ways to quit. Nicotine constricts your blood vessels, making Raynaud's phenomenon worse. Smoking also worsens heartburn.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise can help you maintain your flexibility and strength. Ask your doctor or physical or occupational therapist what activities are right for you.

Change eating habits

If you have difficulty swallowing, choose soft, moist foods and chew them well. To minimize acid reflux:

Protect your skin

Avoid harsh soaps and detergents. Choose cleansing creams or gentle skin cleansers and bath or shower gels with added moisturizers. Use rubber gloves when doing the dishes or cleaning.

Reduce bathing frequency. Bathe just once a day or every other day, and take brief baths and showers, using warm rather than hot water.

Moisturize. Apply a rich oil-based moisturizer immediately after washing your hands or bathing, while your skin is still damp.

Apply sunscreen. To prevent further damage to your skin, apply sunscreen before you go outside.

Use a humidifier. Increase moisture levels in your home by using a humidifier.

Practice good oral hygiene

Be sure to have regular checkups and use any special rinses or toothpastes your dentist recommends. If your mouth is chronically dry, try drinking more water and sucking on ice chips or hard, sugarless candy. When these measures fail, your dentist may prescribe a medication to stimulate the flow of saliva.

To help boost blood flow to extremities, you might try biofeedback, a technique that teaches you to control certain body responses. Relaxation exercises or medication also may be helpful.

Because limited scleroderma can affect your appearance and your ability to perform simple tasks, your self-esteem may suffer. It's common for people with limited scleroderma to become depressed.

Talking with a counselor may help you come to grips with the changes caused by this disease. Communicating with people facing the same illness, either through online or in-person support groups, also may be helpful.

Van don Hoogen F, et al. 2013 classification criteria for systemic sclerosis: An American college of rheumatology/European league against rheumatism collaborative initiative. Annals of the Rheumatic Disease. 2013;72:1747.

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